"Erasing can damage the surface texture of the paper and affect the lay of the line work. For this reason it's best to limit the amount of erasing when drawing. One approach to sketching and drawing is to start with light pencil strokes and gradually make them darker the more confident you are of their placement. With this method, there is less need to erase.However, when erasing is necessary, try to be gentle and careful not to wrinkle the paper in the process. Be as stingy as possible when using an eraser.Two types of erasers are kneaded and plastic or vinyl. Kneaded erasers have a puttylike consistency and don't leave crumbs. They are best for lifting light pencil lines by pressing the eraser against the paper surface or gently rubbing back and forth over the area to be erased. Plastic or vinyl erasers are useful on areas that are harder to erase. These erasers leave residual strings rather than crumbs behind, making it easier to clean up after erasing."